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Place navigation on the left of the screenAs this blog’s contribution to the “so-called” Filipino-American Friendship Day, let me share my own experience on how Filipinos are treated like second-class citizens in their own country in that premium piece of land called the US Embassy Manila on Roxas Boulevard.
Ironic but true. Are Filipinos masochists? Or is it just those imperious American Embassy “diplomats” who lack respect for Filipinos (and their hard-earned $131), denying them of their right to a US visa within one minute of seeing them?
The US Embassy in Manila has of course become less “inhuman” already. I remember the time when I got my first US visa in the 90s. People camped outside the embassy premises as early as 10 pm for their interview the next day. Twelve or more hours of waiting for an interview that would only last two minutes or so.
Still, what is highly doubtful about the visa process is how the counters are manned by babes-in-the-woods visa officers who are armed only with their own biases and bigotry about the Philippines and Filipinos. Extreme biases and bigotry at that.
The official US Embassy Manila document says: ” Consular officers make their decisions based on their …. their familiarity and understanding of the Philippines, and the accumulated information available to them based on previous Filipino visa applicants.” This is of course baloney. Chances are these visa officers (especially the younger ones) have not been outside Serendra or the US Embassy Clubhouse to lay claim to an iota of understanding of the Philippines. Vacationing in Punta Fuego doesn’t count either. They have not lived with Filipinos or assimilated themselves to Filipino culture, not unlike the fallen US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell who should be called a heroine in her own right. The “accumulated information” part if questionable as well. If Juan flew the coop upon arriving in California, does it mean you have to judge every Pedro, Miguel and Alejandro of the same motives?
We are not oblivious to the fact that the Philippines has one of the highest rates for illegal aliens in the United States. It is a shame really. For every TNT Pedro who sent a balikbayan box of Spam to his folks back home, poor Pilar has to take the brunt for it when it’s time to apply at the embassy. And yet, it probably escapes US Embassy Manila people that the reason why illegal aliens increased was because their dimwitted visa officers issued visas to the wrong people, based on their false assessments and shortsighted knowledge of their country of assignment.
(to be continued)
Stumble It!
You’re not the first one, and surely not the last to come away from that embassy with a sob story, Annalyn. Sadly this state of affairs will not change so long as our own leaders, and all Filipinos, become the change we want our society to be. I await part 2 of your narrative. Hang tough.
On the other hand there are strict quotas for the various types of visas available, and as you yourself point out, not only are these quotas filled annually, they are overfilled by illegals. For every sob story like yours, I wonder how many dozens more there are with a happy ending in California or Chicago or New York?
And how hospitable are we to our American visitors? You mention Julia Campbell!
So c’mon, let’s have a fairer and more grown-up perspective on this matter, shall we?
My advise to you, assuming you were turned down, is to try again, with perhaps a sunnier and more optimistic disposition. Most Americans who come to the Philippines are not so ugly as you would portray.
Those who are, are often transformed by those of us with a similarly hospitable attitude to our best friends in the world!
Let’s please stop calling this a sob story. I am not sobbing.:D
I don’t think you’re getting the whole picture Rizalist. At least not yet. I am NOT making a biased observation of ALL Americans, I am just making my opinion of some assholes in the US Embassy NIV Section. My boyfriend is the kindest, gentlst person I’ve met, and yes he’s American!
okay, okay, I’m sorry I called it a sob story. But lookit, over on the continent gas is 5 bucks a gallon, Big Sur is burning, and the purple mountain majesties are parched and brown from pollution and global warming.
Why not stay right here in the Archipelago, make your own merrie and joyful atmosphere, take that kind and gentle boyfriend to some exotic place, and just have a good time right here.
Don’t spoil Philippine American Friendship Day the way the self-loathing cultists of resentment are going to be doing in editorials, columns and blog posts in the next few days, if they haven’t been already.
America is our greatest friend. Just ask the four million who went through those same Embassy gates.
As Carlos Bulosan once said, “America is in the heart!” Make it so, and you will America right here in the Philippines, right in your own dreams, right in your own ‘hood.
Haay good thing you wrote about this. I remember the time my brother sick with leukemia had to get a visa in 1998. His partner and I had to queue under muddy conditions. Literally, I felt like a pig. It’s better now of course. Awaiting part 2
No, Filipinos don’t have the right to a US visa. It’s a privilege. Americans have the right to deny someone visa based on whatever reason (or for no reason at all).
Although I agree that those American officials should at least treat the applicants with respect.
Oh, btw, RP immigration officials are as bad (if not worse):
http://thenutbox.i.ph/blogs/thenutbox/2008/06/06/how-to-get-a-student-visa-in-the-philippines/
All,
Anna’s frustration comes from dealing with a Visa process that offers no opportunity to accurately represent our relationship, intentions, or desires. “Why doesn’t your boyfriend just get you a K1 Visa?” proves it quite clearly. I get two vacations a year, per my employment contract, and would not bring Anna to the States so I could be an absentee husband. Never mind that Visa fraud will keep you out of the States for a good long while. More to follow, as Anna continues to relate our experiences.
Why do I get the feeling that Rizal is turning in his grave, Rizalist? If America is indeed our greatest friend, shall we also blame her for the rut we’re in? Your philanthropic America is here to protect its own interests, long before its fall as a superpower. I didn’t even know that the Langley HQ has infiltrated the ranks of Philippine bloggers. Ugh.
If it’s your perception J that the embassy can deny any one a visa at their own whim and for no reason at all, shouldn’t it be your duty to tell your countrymen to avoid the embassy at all cost? If it’s really a privilege,as your haughty mind sees it, they should make it “by invitation only,” preferably limited to the Philippines’ Top 800, in a list to be drawn up by Malu Fernandez.
LOL
It’s not just my “perception” that the US Embassy can deny anyone a US visa. IT IS THE TRUTH.
They don’t have any obligation to issue visas to Filipinos. Filipinos don’t have the right to go to the Sates. Going there is a privilege, unless that right is granted by the US government. In the same way, the Philippine government can deny any US citizen entry into the country for whatever reason it wants.
Grow up.
on the day of my interview at the embassy, i observed people/applicants coming and going. and you can tell by their expressions what happened (and u can hear them during the interview anyway..) to while the time away, i tried to deduce the common denominator between those who got approved or denied. i concluded that it doesnt have anything to do with looks, whether u appeared shabby-looking or sosyal or jologs, young or old, gay or straight. not even with the reason stated in the application form, nor the documents u prepared. who knows..i thought maybe its in the mood of the consul, or first impressions, or they do it by random. that day, i walked out of the embassy gates happy, but still wondering about the answer. but maybe there is no answer.
Don’t feel superior J because I’ve been issued two US visas in my lifetime.
On the other hand, I would really like to see you “denied” at the
embassy or at the port of entry so you can have a perspective of the
whole thing.
If you are familiar with the process (which you’re not), the US
Embassy explains the reason(s) for its denial in broad terms, they are required to do so under their laws, so don’t
be smart-alecky and say they deny for whatever reason or no reason at
all.
I reserve the right to block your comments from my blog if only
because you argue as an ignoramus.
It is you who should grow up. As an American. In another life! I don’t
think you have any “amor” for your fellow Filipinos, if you are proud
to have your brown skin and pudgy nose at all !
You are basically correct. Friends of mine were so disappointed by the attitudes they got in touch with bdc-consultancy in Angeles City. They helped with application, documentation, etc. and even escorted the applicant to the US Embassy. Made the process a lot easier. They work with a US Immigration attorney in Guam and have a website at http://www.bdc-consultancy.com Worth checking out.
The embassy basically does what they want,as there is no one that even oversees the decisions they make. My wife was denied her visa and told that there was no appeal, but she could reapply when she’s 90. Oh thank you so much. My opinion of America changed so much overnight from that rediculous decision. I served my country in the military and have taught in public schools for the past 15 years. I thought I had a right to pursue happiness, but the government took that right from me too, not just from my wife. So we go forward, trying to find someone who will listen to her story, someone who can somehow play a role in reversing bureaucracy that sees only numbers and not people as human beings. For all of you out there who will try and cry “too bad for her, she got what she deserved,” just try and understand that the United States is not that great of a country, nor does it have angels living in it. If some of the other countries had the same rules we had for immigration, very few Americans would get through any embassies unless they were ready to lie through their teeth. No, it’s not a perfect world, but some people actually tell the truth, and stereotypes and bias should not be the guideline for inclusion, as it is only the vehicle for exclusion. American embassies should not serve to exclude but to include based on real, accurate facts, not on inuendo. I pray for America that it will eventually understand that we live in a world where people’s interests are expanded because of the internet. So the rules have to change. Perhaps one day I will share my wife’s story here, but just a word of advice to all of you going through the Manila Embassy, if you tell the truth about your life, even if you have never committed a crime or been found guilty of having committed one, you may pay for it FOREVER.
what your blog is true and correct….
NBI Clearance Investigation
My wife and I just completed the interview on 13 August 08. We were in high spirits until we went to the last window to pick up our forms. Hiccup! She was handed a document that listed these categories: “Affidavit of Support”, “From Applicant”, “Required Clearances”, “Information on Petitioner”, “Evidence of Claimed Relationship Between You and ____”, and “Employment Based Petitions”.
Her “glitch” pertains to only the “Required Clearances” and that was checked.
The other reading of the form that takes the wind out of your sails is:
Dear Immigrant Visa Applicant: We are unable to complete the processing of your immigrant visa application (under section 221 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act) until you present the following documents. (You don’t get to present them)
&
Required Clearances - NBI written explanation of “No Criminal Record”, or “No Pending Case” for ********** . (We already had that but they want more)
&
What to Do Next: WAIT UNTIL YOU HEAR FROM US: We must review your case before it can be processed further. Please wait for a letter from us telling you when you can return to the Embassy with the documents marked above for another (here we go again) appointment. (Oh goody - Another %$#*&**&% delay & wait)
My wife had her NBI clearance with her at her interview and its notation is “No Criminal Record”. To most intelligent people that would be a good thing - but you have to realize that
1.) You’re in the Philippines & 2.) You’re dealing with the U. S. Embassy.
After doing some checking, I discovered that “No Criminal Record” is not a good thing in the eyes of the U.S. Embassy and I was told by an embassy employee that they look at the NBI as being corrupt agency (can you imagine that) and that they would have to do a further investigation before going forward. I asked them how long this would take and got the usual shoulder shrug. (Can you imagine not trusting the NBI?) LOL.
They also won’t let you go down to the NBI and get the letter of explanation - the embassy would be suspicious that you had paid someone at the NBI to get the letter, so they will not accept it if you do. (Paying someone - isn’t that called a bribe?) Everyone knows that is illegal - just ask Malacañang.
This makes me wonder - when you are preparing your documents for your interview; they gave you a list of what they want. I don’t recall seeing anything on that list saying NBI Clearance (and Letter of Explanation) or ( Don’t bother getting the clearance- we don’t trust the NBI and we will have to investigate it ourselves anyway). No, it just says NBI Clearance. In our case it was notated “No Criminal Record” Duh! Maybe it’s supposed to say “Squeaky Clean”.
We had just overcome another boondoggle with the Medical Exam when they chose her to do the T.B. culture that extended our interview date by another six weeks. The culture came back negative -squeaky clean (we knew that when she took it). Oh well- some more pesos in the kitty.
So now we have another delay and certainly some more stupidity. My wife has a squeaky clean record, never had anything to do with the law and we already know there is nothing that will pop out of the woodwork “Except” and I don’t use that word lightly! She has a common Asian name equal to “Jane Smith” in the states. We are already anticipating a nightmare of these and wading through all these similar names and she will have to prove that she is not any of them except one - her.
I tried to find the NBI subject on this site but had no luck. I wanted to hear from others that got this little goody and how they got through it and how long that took.
I don’t know what it is about us, we are both retired, clean living family types and I’m getting to feel like we will both be in the grave when the Visa comes through or maybe just using walkers through American customs with her Immigrant Visa in hand. LOL. Of course the other thought is that when the packet arrives we might not be able to handle the shock and we will have a double heart attack. I was reading some of the comments rating the U.S. Embassy - Manila and they were mostly rated with 4 to 5 stars. We must have come in through another door because my rating would be generous with half a star.
Last but not least, I went with her granddaughter and the boyfriend to get a Tourist Visas (Non-Immigrant). They were both refused, with the interviewer (as usual) not looking at all the back up documents or letting them explain. Her granddaughter just had a ten year visa expire and was looking for a renewal. This was with 4 trips to the states and never once over staying or breaking any of the rules - go figure. Now it will take over $500 American dollars to request a re-evaluation - No thanks! Over $ 500.00 to have some wimp at the embassy insult my intelligence.
This embassy reminds me of the state troopers where I come from and their quotas for handing out speeding tickets. All this money just because of a wimp with a “I’m in Power” ego that can simply put a check mark (for refused) with the swipe of pen and not even looking at the supporting documents that would prove him or her wrong.
Talk about a glutton for punishment - and to think I used to complain about the Department of Motor Vehicles back in the states. That would be a cake walk compared to this U.S. Embassy.
By the way, while I’m still on my band wagon - have you ever looked around when you’re in there and asked yourself “Am I in the U.S. Embassy or the Philippine Embassy”? and “Where the hell are the Americans in this place hiding”?
Go to entrance - Philippine guards, go through security - again Philippine Personnel. Go into the Immigrant, Non-Immigrant or Dept. of Homeland Security - ditto. The kicker is the Social Security and Veteran’s Administration areas - look around and see how many Americans are sitting with you. Are you wondering why the Social Security is going broke and where are all my fellow veterans’ ????. Good Morning Viet Nam.
Oh well - back to the drawing board. - I feel better now.
Am sorry to hear of your plight - Anna’s was not quite as drawn-out, but just ask shocking and depressing to hear.
When does it end?
Good Luck to you both - if all else fails, will be in PI myself in January, we can have a few beers, and curse the AmEmb NIV mightily
Take care,
Mr Z
[...] received some interesting comments to my US Embassy post(s) and as a result, I’ve wondered which countries are spared the ignominy of applying for the [...]
wow, i am amazed at how much incorrect information i see on this blog subject…let me spell out reality:
1. NO filipino has a right to a US visa
2. most of the bad attitudes at the US embassy are by the filipino employees
3. there IS a statement on the US embassy website about having an NBI clearance having “no criminal record” or “no derogatory record”…and it is solely YOUR responsibility to do your homework and fix any problems….spend the time, money and effort to do things right
4. you have plenty of time to do your research, do it
5. that american lady killed in the mountains, is NOT a hero, she is an idiot
6. usually, there IS a good reason a person is denied a visa, somewhere the paperwork is messed up, FIX IT BEFORE you go to the interview.
7. everyone complains and complains, DO YOUR DAMN HOMEWORK
[...] places to get visas from. In the meantime, the US embassy visa horror stories continue, here and here Share and [...]
I feel the same. I was denied twice. And guess why I applied for a Visa? My mother was not able to go back here in the Philippines because she is so sick! F*ck their claim that they “The official US Embassy Manila document says: ” Consular officers make their decisions based on their …. their familiarity and understanding of the Philippines, and the accumulated information available to them based on previous Filipino visa applicants.” FUCK THIS!!! He didnt even check my documents that states the result of my Mom’s condition. These Americans are idiots! That Consul treated me like shit!!!
…i applied for an 18-month Practical training in the US and got accepted, the company who will be sponsoring me is already looking forward to fetch me in the airport next week…
—i applied for a J1 visa last fri and i got denied…the consul explained the reasons and I couldn’t believe my ears…
I have everything with me, the training plan, etc. and then he asked me about my salary (which is under 10k/a month) but did not even bother to check if I can support myself (I have savings to show and family ties here in the Philippines)!
I felt numb while walking out from the building, I heard a lot of Filipinos being rejected…yung iba kulang na lang lumuhod…
I just couldn’t believe it, I was qualified for the training… and yet I was refused a Visa!